Vicki Vitense

Madison – Vicki Bareis Vitense, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 13, 2022 at University Wisconsin Hospital as a result of a continually weakened heart condition.  She was accompanied by family as she prepared for her anxious journey to heaven to see the rest of her family.

She was born on September 26, 1932 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of George (deceased 1988) and Odie (Bareis) Vitense (deceased 1990).  She is survived by her niece Gayle Weitz, nephew Gary Weitz and wife Robbi (Shervheim) Weitz, nephew Gene Weitz and wife Lisa (Johnson) Weitz, nephew Joel and wife Sarah (Engler) Weitz and dozens of dearly loving friends.

Vicki graduated from Madison Central High School in 1950.  She moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in the in the early 1960s where she lived for 25 years.  Upon of the onset of declining health conditions of her father and mother, she returned to live in Madison to assist in caring for her parents and assisting with her two sisters, Georgene Vitense (deceased 2018) and Yvonne Vitense (deceased 2017), in managing Vitense Golfland – a golf related recreation business in Madison founded by her mother and father in 1955.   She retired from management with her two sisters in 2001 when the business succeeded to the 3rd generation.

Vicki developed many very close relationships in Hawaii and loved the culture.  She was outstanding at regular communication with family and friends.  Many of her wonderful friends would describe Vicki as the most generous person they have ever met.  She was extremely thoughtful remembering special events, dates, health conditions, etc. of her friends and at certain times she would check on people daily who were not even her closest friends.  Her generosity in supporting her friends by many different means extended to donating routinely to a wide variety of organizations.  Spending time with bridge friends, swimming friends and monthly lunch club friends were some of favorite activities.

What brought her constant joy was caring for animals and especially dogs and cats.  Touring through her house would provide an immediate indication of her love for cats.  Every cat was welcomed in her home.  Up until her passing, she continued to order large boxes of nuts to feed the squirrels in her yard.  Those little friends became so comfortable with Vicki that some would take nuts directly from her hand.

Vicki had a unique and fortunate opportunity to call and say “Aloha” to many friends and family members in the final hours of her life.  With remarkable grace, she called her family and friends thanking them for their loving relationships, while at the same time, wishing all of them a wonderful life.  She also was incredibly gracious in telling the doctors and staff of the UW Hospital how fantastic, intelligent, and tender they were in caring for her.  She greatly appreciated the staff and friends she met a Brookdale Senior leaving and especially appreciative of Lupe Stone, who became an angel on Earth supporting Vicki virtually every day in her difficult times.

In lieu of memorials, thoughts and actions of kindness and care for animals would make her extremely happy. In spirit, Vicki says “Mahalo”.

There is no Funeral service scheduled and she will be laid to rest next to her family and nephew, Daniel Weitz (deceased 2012), at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, Wisconsin.  Please share your memories at cressfuneralservice.com.  A digital video will also be available in the near future at the same website.  Aloha Vicki from all of us who love you dearly.